Optical Data Transmission Using Hybrid AM/FM Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency-based data transmission methods face issues such as channel saturation, interference, health concerns, unpredictability, and limitations in explosive environments, while optical data transmission using AM modulation is limited by direct transmission constraints.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter device employing a cascade of AM and FM modulators to modulate optical radiation, and a receiver device using hybrid AM/FM demodulation to reproduce electrical data signals, allowing indirect transmission and reception with reduced interference and improved predictability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If radio frequency transmission is used for data transmission, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but channel saturation and interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidchannel interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic waves with optical radiation (light) for data transmission. This substitution moves the transmission medium from the radio frequency spectrum to the optical spectrum, thereby avoiding channel saturation and interference that plague radio frequency systems while maintaining wireless communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If very high radio frequencies are used to transmit wide band data, then transmission bandwidth is increased, but atmospheric absorption increases and transmission power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission bandwidthVSAvoidatmospheric absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of transmission frequency from radio frequencies to optical frequencies. This parameter change enables wide band data transmission without suffering from the atmospheric absorption problems that affect very high radio frequencies, as optical radiation interacts differently with the atmosphere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If AM modulation is used for optical transmission, then direct transmission is achieved, but indirect transmission through reflections is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect transmission capabilityVSAvoidindirect transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs frequency modulation (FM) instead of amplitude modulation (AM) for optical transmission. FM modulation is dynamic in nature and can accommodate variations in signal path, enabling the system to handle both direct transmissions and indirect transmissions through reflections effectively, thereby improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a frequency modulation mechanism as an intermediary between the data signal and the optical carrier. This FM modulation scheme acts as a mediator that preserves signal integrity through reflections and indirect paths, enabling versatile transmission modes while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If radio transmission boundaries are expanded to increase coverage, then more users can receive signals, but privacy and security problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission coverage areaVSAvoiddata privacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes optical radiation for radio frequency transmission, fundamentally changing the propagation characteristics. Optical signals are more directional and can be confined to specific areas, enabling wide coverage while inherently improving privacy and security compared to omnidirectional radio transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enables efficient, interference-resistant, and predictable optical data transmission and reception, suitable for various environments, including those with reflections, and supports multichannel reception without significant signal distortion.

Implementation Method 1

at least one photoemitter (100) transmits an optical radiation (108) with radiation intensity Ir(t) variable in accordance with said driving signal (v7(t), i7(t))

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

at least one photoreceiver (200) connected thereto and receiving during use an optical radiation (108), also reflected, and that produces, as an output, a voltage or current driving signal (v7'(t), i7'(t))

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3729686B1System for transmitting data by means of optical radiation and method associated therewith
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 S-LUX GMBH
  • EP3729686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Transmitter device (99) transmitting by means of optical radiation (108), said device being characterized in that it comprises at least one modulator stage (101 ) comprising: - an input (105) adapted to receive during use an electrical signal (s(t)) to be modulated, and - an output (107) transmitting, towards at least one photoemitter (100), a voltage or current driving signal (v7(t), i7(t)) for which said electrical signal (s(t)) represents a modulating signal, where said at least one photoemitter (100) transmits an optical radiation (108) with radiation intensity lr(t) variable in accordance with said driving signal (v7(t), i7(t)), and wherein, between said input and said output of said modulator stage (107), a cascade of a first AM modulator (102) and of a second FM modulator (103) is present, said FM modulator (103) being placed downstream of said AM modulator (102) and having an own output directly connected with the output (107) of said modulator stage (101 ), wherein said AM modulator (102) has an input directly connected to said input (105) of said modulator stage and is directly supplied by means of said electrical signal (s(t)) to be modulated and wherein said AM modulator (102) has an output on which it generates an intermediate signal (s2(t)) supplied as an input to said FM modulator (103). The present invention also regards a receiver device, also multi-channel, and methods for transmission and modulation, and reception and demodulation, employing a hybrid AM modulation/FM.